ABOUT US
Matt Burk - piano instructor
Matt has played piano for 25 years. He has studied under various
teachers and professors from extremely diverse backgrounds, who
have widely-varying teaching styles and playing philosophies.
Matt has experience playing practically all styles of piano, including
classical, jazz, ragtime, praise and worship, gospel, and various styles
of popular music. He has also studied songwriting and enjoys writing
and performing original music. Matt has played professionally in a
variety of settings.
Other than music, some of Matt's interest are spending time with his
family, snow skiing, playing basketball, fishing, and traveling. He and
his wife, Jessica, are active members of The Harvest Church in Allen.
They also have a photography studio (Jessica Burk Photography), and they
have a one-year old son, who is their pride and joy!
Taylor Haynes - guitar instructor
Taylor brings to us solid musicianship and a strong understanding of theory, as well as seven years of teaching experience. He has studied guitar and music theory at Collin College, as well as privately for several years. Taylor has also played in several local bands (performing both original music and covers). Before teaching guitar, Taylor was a martial arts instructor; it is evident that the discipline he developed in martial arts has contributed to his development as a musician.
As a part of his previous experience as an instructor, Taylor created a six-week guitar summer camp (which he conducted during the summers of 2006, 2007 and 2008), where he taught students scales, chords, and "riffs" as well as specific songs. In addition to these things, during these camps he also helped his students write their own songs, and took students to record their songs at a studio. At the end of the camp, he had students put on a concert for friends and family, where they each performed the songs they had learned and written, as well as an improvisational jam using some of the scales and chords they learned in camp.
As an instructor, Taylor understands that each student has different musical goals and learns differently. He incorporates theory into lessons that are tailored specifically to how each student learns, what they want to learn (specific styles and/or songs), and their long-term musical goals. In addition to his experience teaching private guitar for seven years and his exceptional musicianship, Taylor brings to Matt Burk Music Studio an obvious passion for teaching, and a genuine, warm and enthusiastic personality.
Irene Olivia - piano instructor
With a Bachelor of Science in Music and a concentration in Piano Pedagogy, it is evident that Irene has a passion for not only playing, but also teaching piano. In May of 2009, she completed her degree at Pensacola Christian College, where she made the dean's list 8 out of 8 semesters. Irene brings experience teaching private piano lessons to students of various ages and skill levels. Irene has also served as a pianist for churches, weddings, various choirs, etc. throughout the years.
Throughout Irene’s experience teaching and in her studies of piano pedagogy, she gained a strong understanding of how to assess each individual student's temperaments and learning styles, and to approach lessons with those things in mind. Her goal is to teach music in a way that each student feels valued and encouraged.
Kenneth Pritchard - drum/percussion & guitar instructor
Kenneth brings to Matt Burk Music Studio 8 years of teaching experience (private guitar and drum lessons) as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Music (Instrumental Performance and Guitar/Percussion Composition) from Columbia College in Chicago. He grew up in Plano, spent the last several years in Chicago, and recently moved back! While in Chicago, Kenneth was a part of various bands that performed everything from electronic music to rock. As a part of those bands and as a part of his studies at Columbia College, he performed in a variety of different settings, and has recorded three full albums of original music.
Kenneth's experience as an instructor has covered a wide array of skill levels - from beginner to very advanced students. He teaches a variety of styles including jazz, drum line, pop, groove, rock, etc. Kenneth understands that each student learns differently and has different musical goals, and he approaches lessons accordingly.
Stephanie (Rice) Hunt - voice and guitar instructor
Stephanie has studied music since she was a child, and has really found her niche in teaching voice and guitar. She has been a part of various audition-only choirs throughout the years, including the Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas and her college’s jazz ensemble. While Stephanie is in the process of pursuing a teaching degree, her college studies have focused a great deal on music - including extensive study of music theory as well as ear training, vocal performance, and classical guitar.
As a talented guitarist and vocalist, Stephanie has led a number of worship bands over the past several years - both in church and private high school settings. She has taught private lessons independently for five years, and she continues working as the instructor for a beginning and an advanced Praise Band at Lucas Christian Academy. We are excited that Stephanie has decided to continue sharing her passion for music as a part of our team at Matt Burk Music Studio!
Rayna Slavova - piano instructor
Rayna is originally from Bulgaria, but spent much of her latter childhood in Columbia. She earned a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance (with a minor area of studies in viola) in Columbia, from Fundacion Juan N. Corpas in 2007. In May of 2010, she completed her Master of Music in Piano Performance from West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
Rayna is fluent in Spanish and English (as well as Bulgarian), and she has been teaching private piano lessons since 2005. She truly has a passion for sharing her love of piano with students and has experience teaching all styles to a wide variety of ages. Rayna's warm personality and encouraging approach is endearing to students and parents. She understands the importance of developing effective pedagogical methods for all different learning types, and is sensitive to students' various goals, and interests. She is patient, friendly and encouraging.
Art Struck - guitar and bass instructor
Art Struck began his musical career at the early age of fourteen, inspired by the sounds of Kirk Hammett, Randy Rhoads, Slash, and Zakk Wylde. He studied classical guitar at the Dallas School of Performing Arts, and performed in a number of recitals, weddings and restaurants, before heading out to Hollywood for two rigorous years of study at Musicians Institute. During his time at MI, Art focused on guitar performance, song writing, music business, sight-reading, theory, and ear training. In addition to his classroom studies, while at Musicians Institute, Art performed 100 to 130 concerts and logged countless hours doing recording and session work.
In 2007, while in California, Art’s first band, “Black Rose Junction” was nominated for a “Best Alternative or Pop Band Award” by All Access Magazine. Thereafter, Black Rose Junction was signed to Illuminati Entertainment and was awarded the “Ourstage Rock Video of The Month Award” for November 2007. The band was also highlighted on metaledge.com for their video. In 2008, Art moved back to Dallas, where he continues performing and has found his niche teaching private lessons and sharing his passion for music with others.
Art is proficient at reading charts, tab and standard notation, as well as playing by ear and improvising for both guitar and bass. His teaching focuses on technique, theory, and repertoire, and he tailors lessons to students’ specific interests. Art is comfortable playing and teaching a wide variety of styles, including Blues, Rock, Pop, Country, Metal, Classical and Praise and Worship. His passion for music and his creativity, along with his extensive knowledge of harmony and theory and how they apply in real-life situations help him keep students engaged, and make learning to play guitar or bass a lot of fun!
If you are interested in learning more about any of our instructors, please call us at 972.207.9353 or email us to schedule a free interview.
Matt Burk Music Studio
1504 N. Greenville, Ste. 100
Allen, TX 75002
972.207.9353
piano, bass, drum, guitar, voice lessons
Serving students from Allen, Fairview, Lucas, Plano, McKinney, Frisco and surrounding areas!
All content © 2010 Burk Studios LLC